News from NZ Government
The Draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) 2018 on land transport released today is an important step towards making our roads safer so we can reduce New Zealand’s appalling number of road deaths, Transport Minister Phil Twyford says.

The GPS helps guide investment in transport by providing a longer-term strategic view of what is prioritised and why. The draft GPS 2018 prioritises safety, access to a wider range of transport options, the environment and value for money. The Government is now seeking feedback from local government, the transport sector and community groups on this proposal.

“With road deaths increasing every year since 2013, this Government is prioritising safety improvements. We’re going to invest in what makes the most difference – regional and local roads, and targeted improvements to the State Highway network,” says Phil Twyford.

“The previous government did not spend enough on road safety, and instead wasted funds on a few low-value motorway projects. This has created an imbalance in what is funded, with a few roads benefitting at the expense of other areas.

“This new approach requires a shift in transport investment. We are proposing increases to most activity classes, with specific focus on regional roading improvements, state highway maintenance and public transport, along with new investment in rapid transit and rail. This will help us create a resilient, efficient, safe and responsible transport system,” Phil Twyford says.

“Over the past nine years, National Land Transport Fund spending was reduced in Taranaki, Southland, West Coast, Otago, Northland, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty by up to 30%. In contrast, our Government will increase spending in the regional roading improvements funding class by 98%,” Shane Jones says.

Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter says that by investing in safety improvements such as median safety barriers, intersection upgrades and rumble strips, we can make our roads safer and save lives.

“To create healthy, liveable cities we need to make it safe and easy for people to walk and cycle those short trips to school, work and around town. That’s why we’re proposing a significant boost in safe, walking and cycling infrastructure.

“Better public transport and safe cycling infrastructure will also help to reduce traffic and make life easier for people driving,” Julie Anne Genter says.

News from Green Party
Today marks the first huge win for the Greens in government. Alongside Labour, we’ve announced an exciting, transformative transport strategy for Aotearoa.

The National government were stuck in the past, promising to spend billions to build just a few low-value motorways. But we’re getting our transport system in top gear by spending more on public transport, walking and cycling than ever before.

What does it mean? We’re more than doubling the spend on public transport over the next three years and pumping in up to $11.7 billion in total over 10 years to get our cities moving. This includes $4.7 billion for a new rapid bus and light rail for our major cities. We’re increasing investment in safe walking and cycling by 250 percent, creating a fund of up to $1.1 billion over 10 years to make our cities walking and cycling friendly.

And we’re tackling climate change. For the first time ever, we’re making the environment a major priority in transport. From now on, transport spending must focus on reducing climate pollution as well as other negative impacts on public health such as water quality.

6 comments:

It’s time to move funds away from transport modes that increase climate pollution towards those that decrease climate pollution. And this is a great start to that transition. [via twitter]

Traveller, 3. April 2018, 17:54

Anything that will benefit Wellington? I see that completing the long-postponed cycleway between Wellington and Lower Hutt gets a mention.

Sarah Free, 3. April 2018, 18:45

Well done Phil Twyford and a big win for Julie Anne Genter too. Excited for what this means for my portfolio areas of cycling walking and public transport! [via twitter]

greenwelly, 3. April 2018, 21:15

I’m Guessing this throws a spanner into the LGWM plan for tunnels, tunnels, and a few more tunnels,…..

Ellen, 4. April 2018, 8:31

Whole new direction from the Government – first time rail and walking infrastructure included in land transport plan. Support for public transport is clear. Even figured out how to pay for it. And an emphasis on using existing infrastructure more efficiently first before spending big (take note Wellington)